Portland issues heroin warning

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - There is growing concern among health officials with the City of Portland about new, dangerous strains of heroin on the city's streets.

Now, they are going so far as to tell drug users what precautions to take if they are going to use heroin. Area hospitals are seeing an increase in overdoses, and city health officials are continuing to receive tips about these drugs. They are reaching out to people who use, to warn them about just how deadly this heroin is.

People from Portland's Needle Exchange Program and Overdose Prevention Program hit the streets today, putting up flyers about the dangerous strains of heroin.

One of them is un-cut, black tar heroin from New York City. The other one is often referred to as "China White." It appears to be cut with prescription drugs, and the combination can be fatal.

The flyers give tips for people who are going to use the drug, to try to prevent overdoses. These health officials say their number one message to users is not to be afraid to call 9-1-1 if they believe someone's life is in danger.